OIL CITY, Pa. (EYT) – Oil City has acquired an armored vehicle previously owned by Erie Police Department.

Erie police donated the vehicle to the Oil City Police Department when they purchased a new armored vehicle that was funded through a federal grant in August.

On Thursday night Oil City Council approved the acquisition of the armored vehicle, a surplus item donated to the city of Erie in the 1990’s.

“We have a standard response team for certain situations; this will help us be better prepared for those situations in which this type of equipment is needed; it provides for a safer environment,” said Oil City Police Chief Robert Wenner.

“Erie has one and Pittsburgh has two; this is a nice fit for us.”

The vehicle will be available to all law enforcement agencies in Venango County; those agencies will be offered the opportunity to train with it.

“This will be a very useful addition to our team. Our job is to serve the citizens, we work for the people. My job is also to make sure my men have the proper equipment to do their jobs efficiently. Through this cooperative effort of law enforcement agencies, we have been provided with the means to protect our citizens, if needed,” said Chief Wenner.